Controller docking device for portable electronics and method of use

ABSTRACT

A controller docking device comprising a controller casing having a mobile device receptacle extending inward from a casing front panel. Various user input devices are integrated into the front panel, preferably locating a directional controller on a left side and an action controller on a right side of the mobile device receptacle. Additional user input devices can also be integrated therein. The additional user input devices can include additional controller inputs located proximate one or both of the common game controller user input devices, along an intermediary circumferential panel of the casing, etc. Various mobile device controller communicative buttons can be integrated into the controller casing providing the user with an interface for operational capabilities of the mobile computing device. The docking device can provide inputs for an application used to control a remote controlled device, such as a vehicle, a toy, an entertainment component, etc.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Non-Provisional Utility Application is:

A) a Continuation-In-Part claiming the benefit of co-pending UnitedStates Non-Provisional Utility Patent application Ser. No. 14/540,008,filed on 12 Nov. 2014 (Scheduled to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 9,914,060 onMar. 13, 2018);

B) wherein U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/540,008is a Continuation-In-Part claiming the benefit of co-pending U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/546,769, filed on Monday,Jul. 16, 2012 (Now abandoned);

C) wherein U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/546,769claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/508,291, filed on Jul. 15, 2011,

D) each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a docking device for amobile computing device. More particularly, the present disclosurerelates to a mobile computing device docking station provided in a formfactor as a casing, wherein the docking station further comprisesadditional user interface controllers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile computing devices continue to become commonplace in society.Portability has many positive aspects, but also has many negativeaspects. Portable devices are preferably smaller in size, which limitsthe real estate for user interface features. Recent advances in portablecomputing devices utilize touch screen display panels in conjunctionwith graphical user interface (GUI) styled guides. The advantage of theGUI provides the designers the ability to design and utilize a varietyof different styled layouts for control or entry of information into themobile computing device. A drawback of the touch screen interface is thelimited visible real estate. The display viewing area is of a fixeddimension and a portion of the viewing area must be dedicated for userinterface. This can become a significant issue under certain conditions,such as when the user is playing a game and it would be advantageous toutilize the entire display area for viewing the game.

Protective cases are well known for use in conjunction with mobilecomputing devices. Protective cases are provided in a multitude of formfactors and fabricated of a variety of materials. These can includeplastic cases, metal cases, rubber cases, nylon cases, silicone cases,leather cases, faux leather cases, and the like. The designs can includecases having a unitary construction, a plurality of mechanically coupledcomponents, fabricated of a single material, fabricated of multiplematerials, and the like.

Generally, cases are limited to simply providing protection for thedevice. Some cases are enhanced with the inclusion of a portable powersupply, such as an extra battery. Other cases, more specifically fortablet styled portable computing devices, include a standard keyboard.The keyboard is commonly battery powered and includes a Bluetoothwireless interface system, which provides wireless signal communicationbetween the keyboard and the mobile computing device. The drawback isthat the keyboards are generally large and moreso, fail to provide thedesired controller arrangements for gaming.

What is desired is a device to provide additional user interfacecontrollers to a mobile computing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic inventive concept provides a controller docking station forreceiving, protecting, and providing a user interface with a mobilecomputing device, wherein the controller docking station furthercomprises at least one gaming controller user interface component.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a controller dockingstation comprising:

-   -   a controller casing comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and        an intermediary circumferential panel extending between a        peripheral edge of the front panel and a peripheral edge of the        rear panel, providing a spatial arrangement between the front        panel and the rear panel;    -   a mobile device receptacle formed extending inward from an        exterior surface of the front panel for receiving and        temporarily retaining a respective mobile computing device;    -   a gaming controller interface integrated into the front panel of        the controller casing; and    -   an interface providing signal communication between the gaming        controller interface and the mobile computing device.

A second aspect of the present invention incorporates anelectro-mechanical connector interface for use as the interfaceproviding signal communication between the gaming controller interfaceand the mobile computing device.

In another aspect, a Bluetooth wireless interface is integrated into thecontroller docking station for use as the interface providing signalcommunication between the gaming controller interface and the mobilecomputing device.

In yet another aspect, the gaming controller interface further comprisesa two (2) direction rocker switch.

In yet another aspect, the gaming controller interface further comprisesa four (4) direction rocker switch.

In yet another aspect, the gaming controller interface further comprisesa pair of gaming controller interfaces.

In yet another aspect, the gaming controller interface further comprisesa pair of gaming controller interfaces, wherein a first gamingcontroller interface is located adjacent to a first edge of the mobiledevice receptacle and the second gaming controller interface is locatedadjacent to a second, and opposite edge of the mobile device receptacle.

In yet another aspect, the gaming controller interface further comprisesa plurality of user interface buttons arranged in a common gamecontroller format.

In yet another aspect, at least one gaming controller interface furthercomprises two (2) user interface buttons arranged in a common gamecontroller format.

In yet another aspect, at least one gaming controller interface furthercomprises four (4) user interface buttons arranged in a common gamecontroller format.

In yet another aspect, the controller docking station further comprisesat least one button interface extension member used to operate arespective user interface button provided on the mobile computingdevice.

In yet another aspect, the controller docking station casing furthercomprises a gripping feature on each side thereof.

In yet another aspect, the mobile device receptacle is formed to receiveand retain the mobile computing device. The mobile device receptacle canbe designed where the mobile computing device is inserted through thecasing front panel in a direction generally perpendicular to a planecreated by the casing front panel. Alternatively, the mobile computingdevice can be inserted at an angle to engage with a signal interfaceconnector, and then rotated into the mobile device receptacle.

In yet another aspect, the mobile device receptacle is formed having aperipheral wall extending inward from an exterior surface of the casingfront panel. The mobile device receptacle terminates at a mobile devicereceptacle backing panel.

In yet another aspect, the mobile device receptacle backing panel canadditionally include a camera viewing port located in registration witha mobile device standard camera and/or a mobile device logo aperture inregistration with a logo provided upon the mobile computing device.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller for remote applications.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry into an application, the data entrybeing instructions to operate a portable computing device. Smartphonesemploy touch screens, which lack entry capabilities provided by devicessuch as a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a rocker entry component,buttons, tactile buttons, and the like. The inclusion of one or more ofthese entry devices on the mobile computing device 200 introduces anenhanced data entry tool for the user.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry for instructions to operate a remotecontrolled device using an application operating on the portablecomputing device, wherein the application operates a remotely operatedelectronically controlled device, wherein the remotely operatedelectronically controlled device is one of a remote controlled car, aremote controlled truck, a remote controlled aeronautic vehicle, aremote controlled plane, a remote controlled helicopter, a remotecontrolled drone, a remote controlled water vessel, a remote controlledsailing vessel, a remote controlled motor-powered vessel, a remotecontrolled toy, a remote controlled wheel, a remote controlled ball, aremote controlled robot, a remote controlled droid, a remotelycontrolled television, a remotely controlled set top box, a remotelycontrolled stereo component, and the like.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry for guidance of motion associationwith an application operating on the portable computing device, whereinthe application operates a remote controlled vehicle.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry for guidance of motion associationwith applications operating on the portable computing device, whereinthe application operates a remote controlled vehicle, wherein the remotecontrolled vehicle is one of a remote controlled car, a remotecontrolled truck, a remote controlled aeronautic vehicle, a remotecontrolled plane, a remote controlled helicopter, a remote controlleddrone, a remote controlled water vessel, a remote controlled sailingvessel, a remote controlled motor-powered vessel, a remote controlledwheel, and the like. The remote controlled vehicle can be of any size.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry for use with an application operatingon the portable computing device, wherein the application operates aremote controlled toy, wherein the remote controlled toy is one of aremote controlled wheel, a remote controlled ball, a remote controlledrobot, a remote controlled droid, and the like. The data entry can beone or more movement instructions, ASCII characters, use forrepositioning a cursor, or any other suitable entry format or function.

In yet another aspect, the docking station can be configured for use asa controller providing data entry for use with an application withapplications operating on the portable computing device, wherein theapplication operates a remote controlled entertainment component,wherein the remote controlled entertainment component is one of aremotely controlled television, a remotely controlled set top box, aremotely controlled stereo component, and the like. Examples of controlsinclude incrementing a channel selection, adjusting a volume, requestingto record a program, change an input selection, change an outputselection, operate a digital recorder function (i.e. pause, fastforward, rewind, etc.), operate a menu, and the like.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, where like numerals denote like elementsand in which:

FIG. 1 presents a front isometric view of a controller docking stationin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 presents a front view of the controller docking station,originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the illustration includes anexemplary mobile computing device assembled into the controller dockingstation;

FIG. 3 presents a rear view of the controller docking station,originally introduced in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 presents a front isometric view of the controller dockingstation, originally introduced in FIG. 1, wherein the mobile computingdevice is shown separated from a mobile device receptacle;

FIG. 5 presents a front isometric view of the controller dockingstation, originally introduced in FIG. 1, the controller docking stationis shown being exclusive of the mobile computing device;

FIG. 6 presents a front view of the controller docking station,originally introduced in FIG. 1, the controller docking station is shownbeing exclusive of the mobile computing device;

FIG. 7 presents a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplaryapplication of the controller docking station as a controller for aremote controlled vehicle; and

FIG. 8 presents a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplaryapplication of the controller docking station as a controller for atleast one remote controlled entertainment component.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations. All of the implementationsdescribed below are exemplary implementations provided to enable personsskilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure andare not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is definedby the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”,“lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, andderivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

An exemplary embodiment of a controller docking device 100 isillustrated and detailed in FIGS. 1 through 6. The controller dockingdevice 100 is preferably fabricated comprising a controller casing 110having a unitary construction. The controller casing 110 is formedhaving a casing front panel 112 and a casing rear panel 113 and anintermediary circumferential panel comprising a casing top panel 114, acasing bottom panel 115, a casing first side panel 116, and a casingsecond side panel 117; the intermediary circumferential panel extendingbetween a peripheral edge 118 of the casing front panel 112 and aperipheral edge 119 of the casing rear panel 113, providing a spatialarrangement between the casing front panel 112 and the casing rear panel113. A mobile device receptacle 150 is formed within the controllercasing 110, wherein the mobile device receptacle 150 extends inward froman exterior surface (identified by description) of the casing frontpanel 112, terminating at a mobile device receptacle backing panel 152,wherein the mobile device receptacle 150 is provided for receiving andtemporarily retaining a respective mobile computing device 200.

The mobile computing device 200 can include any portable computingdevice, including a smartphone, a tablet, a personal data assistant, andthe like. The mobile computing device 200 includes a mobile devicedisplay 212 carried by a mobile device housing 210. The mobile devicedisplay 212 is preferably a touch screen display with a viewing areathat spans across a large percentage of a front surface of the mobiledevice housing 210. The mobile computing device 200 includes a varietyof user interfaces, including a mobile device controller 220 used foroperational control of the mobile computing device 200, a mobile deviceaudio output 222 enabling the user to listen to voice communications, amobile device standard camera 230 enabling the user to capture digitalstill or video images visible from a rear side of the mobile computingdevice 200, a mobile device reverse viewing camera 232 enabling the userto capture digital still or video images visible from a front side ofthe mobile computing device 200, and other functional user controlsincluding a volume reduction controller 242 and a volume increasingcontroller 244.

The mobile device receptacle 150 is sized and shaped to receive andtemporarily retain the mobile computing device 200 therein. Morespecifically, the mobile device receptacle 150 is sized and shaped toreceive and retain the mobile device housing 210 of the mobile computingdevice 200 therein. The design of the mobile device receptacle 150 takesthe size and shape of the mobile device display 212 into considerationto ensure the entire mobile device display 212 remains visible. It isunderstood that additional features such as buttons, snaps, and the likecan be integrated into the controller casing 110 or mobile devicereceptacle 150 to aid in retaining the mobile computing device 200within the mobile device receptacle 150.

The controller casing 110 can additionally include features to retainfull functionality of the mobile computing device 200, such as one ormore mobile device controller buttons 140 and various apertures, such asa camera viewing port 160 and a mobile device logo aperture 162. Theexemplary mobile device controller buttons 140 include a volumereduction controller 142 and a volume increasing controller 144. Thevolume reduction controller 142 would engage with the volume reductioncontroller 242. Similarly, the volume increasing controller 144 wouldengage with the volume increasing controller 244. It is understood thatany mobile device controller communicative button 140 can be integratedinto the controller casing 110 to support any respective user interfacecontrols of the mobile computing device 200. The mobile devicecontroller communicative button 140 can directly engage with the userinterface control of the mobile computing device 200 or engage through amotion redirecting arrangement, such as a cantilevered arm, a pivotalarm, and the like. The camera viewing port 160 would be located inregistration with a mobile device standard camera 230 of the mobilecomputing device 200 when the mobile computing device 200 is insertedinto the mobile device receptacle 150. Similarly, the mobile device logoaperture 162 would be located in registration with a logo or otherartwork feature applied to a rear surface of the mobile computing device200 when the mobile computing device 200 is inserted into the mobiledevice receptacle 150. The mobile device logo aperture 162 (or anysuitable aperture) can be used to aid in removal of the mobile computingdevice 200 from the mobile device receptacle 150. The mobile device logoaperture 162 (or any suitable aperture) would preferably be sized toaccept a finger. The user would insert an object, such as their fingerthrough the mobile device logo aperture 162 (or any suitable aperture)and apply a force to a rear surface of the mobile computing device 200to initially rotate the mobile computing device 200 out of the mobiledevice receptacle 150.

The controller docking device 100 can interface with the mobilecomputing device 200 by any reasonable signal interface known by thoseskilled in the art. The illustrated embodiment includes two exemplarysignal interfaces, a controller integrated electro-mechanical interface170 and a Bluetooth wireless interface 172. The controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface 170 detachable mates with a mobile deviceintegrated electro-mechanical interface 270 integrated into the mobilecomputing device 200, providing an electromechanical connection.Mechanically, the joint formed between the controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface 170 and the mobile device integratedelectro-mechanical interface 270 aids in retaining the mobile computingdevice 200 within the mobile device receptacle 150. The electricalcomponent of the joined interface formed between the controllerintegrated electro-mechanical interface 170 and the mobile deviceintegrated electro-mechanical interface 270 provides power and signalcommunication between the controller docking device 100 and the mobilecomputing device 200.

The controller integrated electro-mechanical interface 170 can include apower transfer interface, wherein the controller docking device 100would include a portable power source 174, which is in electricalcommunication with the controller integrated electro-mechanicalinterface 170. The controller integrated electro-mechanical interface170, in turn, transfers electrical energy from the portable power source174 to the mobile computing device 200. It is understood that a powerregulating circuit can be integrated between the portable power source174 and the controller integrated electro-mechanical interface 170 toregulate the voltage, current, or both. The portable power source 174can be any portable power source, including a battery, a capacitor, asolar power converter, a kinetic electrical generator, a chemicalelectrical generator, and the like.

The controller docking device 100 includes features commonly associatedwith a gamepad. The exemplary controller docking device 100 includes afirst controller 120, which can also be referred to as a directionalinput button, and a second controller 130, which can also be referred toas an action button. The first controller 120 is generally provided as auser interface to enter directional controls into the mobile computingdevice 200. The second controller 130 is generally provided as a userinterface to enter action controls into the mobile computing device 200.The exemplary layout and functionality of the controller docking device100 would be consistent with most modern game controllers, which areclose variations originating from the standard gamepad.

The controller docking device 100 can include at least one firstcontroller 120. The preferred embodiment includes a first controller 120and a second controller 130. The first controller 120 is locatedadjacent to a first side edge of the mobile device receptacle 150 andthe second controller 130 is located adjacent to a second, opposite sideedge of the mobile device receptacle 150. The preferred arrangementlocates the first controller 120 on the left side of the mobile devicereceptacle 150 and the second controller 130 on the right side of themobile device receptacle 150. This arrangement would be consistent withthe currently available gaming controllers.

The exemplary first controller 120 is preferably provided in a form of arocker switch. The first controller 120 is commonly referred to as adirectional pad (or D-Pad). The first controller 120 can be segmentedinto four quadrants, which function as a first controller first quadrant122, a first controller second quadrant 123, a first controller thirdquadrant 124, and a first controller fourth quadrant 125. Each of thequadrants 122, 123, 124, 125 can be integrated into a first controllerbutton unitary member 121 as s unitary controller, wherein each quadrant122, 123, 124, 125 would be represented by shape and location upon thefirst controller button unitary member 121. The preferred firstcontroller 120 is provided as a digital input device. The generallyavailable first controller 120 enters only the directions provided onthe D-pad buttons, without any intermediate values. However, it isunderstood that combinations of two directions (up and left, forexample) can provide entry of a diagonal movement request, wherein anexemplary D-pad can be integrated therein to provide eight-directionalinput. It is understood that the first controller 120 can be provided asan analog input device. The analog entry devices are not as accurate ascomparable digital devices, they require a significant amount ofmaintenance by comparison, and protrude further from the controllersurface.

The exemplary second controller 130 is preferably provided in a form ofa series of independent buttons. The second controller 130 is commonlyreferred to as action buttons. The second controller 130 commonlyincludes a series of four entry buttons, including a second controllerfirst button 132, a second controller second button 133, a secondcontroller third button 134, and a second controller fourth button 135,wherein the buttons are arranged in a general diamond shaped layout.Each of the four buttons 132, 133, 134, 135 can be integrated into abutton subassembly 131 comprising four independently operating buttons132, 133, 134, 135 and a signal interface to a mating circuit.

Additional user input buttons 127, 128, 137, 138 can be locatedproximate each of the first controller 120 and second controller 130.The additional user input buttons 127, 128, 137, 138 provide the userwith additional functionality for controlling the mobile computingdevice 200. The first controller top left user input 127 and firstcontroller top right user input 128 are associated with the firstcontroller 120. Similarly, the second controller top right user input137 and second controller top left user input 138 are associated withthe second controller 130.

The controller docking device 100 can include a top left edge controlbutton 181 and a top right edge control button 182 are preferablyintegrated into the casing top panel 114 of the controller casing 110.The top left edge control button 181 and top right edge control button182 can be designated to provide entry of any variety of controllerinformation.

It is understood that the user entry controller buttons 120, 130, 181,182 can have preset controls or related functions for the respectivesoftware (such as a game), user programmable controls, and the like, orany combination thereof.

Features of the controller casing 110, such as the casing first sidepanel 116 and casing second side panel 117, can be formed to aid theuser in gripping the controller docking device 100. The exemplaryembodiment includes spatially arranged notches along each of the sideedges 116, 117.

The controller docking device 100 can be utilized to provide a dataentry method for operating an application running on the mobilecomputing device 200, wherein the application provides operationalsignals and a wireless signal from the mobile computing device 200 toconvey operating instructions to a remote controlled device, asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. The controller docking device 100 can beconfigured for use as a controller providing data entry for instructionsto operate a remote controlled device using a application operating onthe mobile computing device 200, wherein the application operates aremotely operated electronically controlled device, the remotelyoperated electronically controlled device being one of: a remotecontrolled vehicle 300 (FIG. 7), a remote controlled car, a remotecontrolled truck, a remote controlled aeronautic vehicle, a remotecontrolled plane, a remote controlled helicopter, a remote controlleddrone, a remote controlled water vessel, a remote controlled sailingvessel, a remote controlled motor-powered vessel, a remote controlledtoy, a remote controlled wheel, a remote controlled ball, a remotecontrolled robot, a remote controlled droid, a component of a remotecontrolled entertainment system 400 (FIG. 8), a remotely controlledtelevision, a remotely controlled set top box, a remotely controlledstereo component, and the like.

The controller docking device 100 can be configured for use as acontroller providing data entry for guidance of motion association withan application operating on the mobile computing device 200, wherein theapplication operates a remote controlled vehicle.

In yet another aspect, the controller docking device 100 can beconfigured for use as a controller providing data entry for guidance ofmotion association with applications operating on the mobile computingdevice 200, wherein the application operates a remote controlledvehicle, as shown in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 7. The exemplaryremote controlled vehicle 300 is a drone. It is understood the remotecontrolled vehicle 300 can be any of: a remote controlled car, a remotecontrolled truck, a remote controlled motorcycle, a remote controlledaeronautic vehicle, a remote controlled plane, a remote controlledhelicopter, a remote controlled drone, a remote controlled water vessel,a remote controlled sailing vessel, a remote controlled motor-poweredvessel, a remote controlled wheel, and the like. The remote controlledvehicle can be of any size, from a small toy to a tactical vehicle. Theremote controlled vehicle 300 can be equipped with data collectionequipment, such as a remote controlled vehicle camera 302, an infra-redcamera, a Global Positioning System (GPS), lights, a sound emittingdevice (such as a speaker), and the like. The user can monitor theoperation of the remote controlled vehicle 300 on the mobile devicedisplay 212 of the mobile computing device 200. A remote controlledvehicle image 310 can be displayed on the mobile device display 212 toaid the user in understanding the status of the remote controlledvehicle 300. The mobile device display 212 can display operatinginformation, such as location of the remote controlled vehicle 300, atravel path of the remote controlled vehicle 300, a current speed of theremote controlled vehicle 300, a current direction of the remotecontrolled vehicle 300, an altitude of the remote controlled vehicle300, an angle of incidence of the remote controlled vehicle 300, anyvideo acquired by the remote controlled vehicle camera 302 (sound can beemitted by the mobile device audio output 222 of the mobile computingdevice 200), and the like. The mobile computing device 200 cancommunicate with the remote controlled vehicle 300 using any suitablewired or preferably wireless communication signal, exemplified by aremote control signal 312. The remote control signal 312 can utilize anysuitable wireless communication protocol, including Bluetooth (commonlyintegrated into the mobile computing device 200), Wi-Fi (commonlyintegrated into the mobile computing device 200), or using an externallyprovided transceiver, such as any other Radio Frequency (RF technology).

The first controller 120 and/or the second controller 130 can beconfigured as a trackball, a joystick, a steering wheel, or any othersuitable entry component form factor on the controller docking device100 to aid the user in providing guidance data to the applicationrunning on the mobile computing device 200.

In an adapted application, the controller docking device 100 can beconfigured for use as a controller providing data entry for use with anapplication operating on the mobile computing device 200, wherein theapplication operates a remote controlled toy (understood by similaritywith the remote controlled vehicle 300 illustrated in FIG. 7. The remotecontrolled toy can be any one of: a remote controlled wheel, a remotecontrolled ball, a remote controlled robot, a remote controlled droid,and the like. The data entry can be one or more movement instructions,ASCII characters, use for repositioning a cursor, or any other suitableentry format or function. It is understood that the controller dockingdevice 100 can include a keyboard. The size of the controller casing 110can be such to accommodate a reasonably sized keyboard.

In another adapted application, the controller docking device 100 can beconfigured for use as a controller providing data entry for use with anapplication with applications operating on the mobile computing device200, wherein the application operates a remote controlled entertainmentcomponent of a remote controlled entertainment system 400, asillustrated in FIG. 8. The remote controlled entertainment component canbe any one or more of: a remote controlled television 410, a remotecontrolled audio component 420, a remote controlled set top box 430, andthe like. Examples of control features include incrementing a channelselection, adjusting a volume, requesting to record a program, change aninput selection, change an output selection, operate a digital recorderfunction (i.e. pause, fast forward, rewind, etc.), operate a menu, andthe like. Other control features commonly available on an originalequipment manufacturer remote control can be integrated into anapplication utilizing the controller docking device 100 and mobilecomputing device 200 combination.

The mobile computing device 200 can communicate with the remotecontrolled entertainment system 400, the remote controlled television410, the remote controlled audio component 420 and/or the remotecontrolled set top box 430 using any suitable wired or preferablywireless communication signal, exemplified by a remote controlledtelevision signal 412 and a remote controlled audio component signal422. The remote controlled television signal 412 and a remote controlledaudio component signal 422 can utilize any suitable wirelesscommunication protocol, including Bluetooth (commonly integrated intothe mobile computing device 200), Wi-Fi (commonly integrated into themobile computing device 200), or using an externally providedtransceiver, such as an infra-red (IR) communication protocol, any otherRadio Frequency (RF technology), and the like. Infra-red (IR)communication protocol and other wireless communication protocols can beintegrated into the mobile computing device 200 and employedaccordingly.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be madeto the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intendedthat all matters in the foregoing description and shown in theaccompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined bythe appended claims and their legal equivalence.

What I claim is:
 1. A method of using a controller docking device forproviding input to an instruction set operating on a portable computingdevice, the method comprising steps of: obtaining a controller dockingdevice comprising: controller casing comprising a front panel, a rearpanel, and an intermediary circumferential panel extending between aperipheral edge of the front panel and a peripheral edge of the rearpanel, providing a spatial arrangement between the front panel and therear panel; a portable computing device receptacle comprising a portablecomputing device receptacle sidewall extending substantiallyperpendicularly inward from an exterior surface of the front panel andterminating at a portable computing device receptacle backing panel forreceiving and temporarily retaining a respective portable computingdevice, wherein the portable computing device receptacle sidewall isfixed about all four sides, wherein the portable computing devicereceptacle sidewall is sized and shaped at least partially following aperipheral contour of a portable computing device, contacting each offour side surfaces of the portable computing device; at least one userinput interface integrated into the front panel of the controllercasing; and a controller integrated electro-mechanical interface rigidlyand in a fixed position extending outward from the portable computingdevice receptacle sidewall inward towards a center of the portablecomputing device receptacle; obtaining a portable computing devicecomprising: a portable computing device housing, a portable computingdevice display carried by the portable computing device housing, and aportable computing device integrated electro-mechanical interfaceintegrated into the portable computing device housing; orienting theportable computing device at an acute angle respective to the controllerdocking device; aligning the portable computing device integratedelectro-mechanical interface and the controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface with one another; joining the portablecomputing device integrated electro-mechanical interface and thecontroller integrated electro-mechanical interface to one another;rotating the portable computing device into the portable computingdevice receptacle; activating the portable computing device; initiatingoperation of the instruction set on the portable computing device; andutilizing the at least one user input interface to provide directives tothe instruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 2. Amethod of using a controller docking device as recited in claim 1, theat least one user input interface of the controller docking devicefurther comprising a first user input interface located between a casingfirst side panel and a first side of the portable computing devicereceptacle and a second user input interface located between a casingsecond, opposite side panel and a second, opposite side of the portablecomputing device receptacle, the method further comprising at least oneof: a step of utilizing the first user input interface to provide inputto the instruction set operating on the portable computing device, and astep of utilizing the second user input interface to provide input tothe instruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 3. Amethod of using a controller docking device as recited in claim 2, saidfirst controller is provided as a single button having at least fourdirectional control signal inputs, the method further comprising a stepof: operating the single button in a manner to provide at least fourdirectional control signal inputs to provide input to the instructionset operating on the portable computing device.
 4. A method of using acontroller docking device as recited in claim 2, said second controlleris provided as a cluster of individual buttons, the method furthercomprising a step of: operating the cluster of individual buttons in amanner to provide a series of control signal inputs, each control signalinput of the series of control signal inputs provides a unique signalinput to provide input to the instruction set operating on the portablecomputing device.
 5. A method of using a controller docking device asrecited in claim 2, the controller docking device further comprising atleast one additional user input device located proximate said firstcontroller, the method further comprising a step of: operating the atleast one additional user input device in a manner to provide anassociated input signal to provide input to the instruction setoperating on the portable computing device.
 6. A method of using acontroller docking device as recited in claim 2, the controller dockingdevice further comprising a rear panel aperture formed through the rearpanel of the controller casing, the method further comprising steps of:inserting an object through the rear panel aperture; and using theobject to apply a force to a rear surface of the portable computingdevice to aid in removing the portable computing device from theportable computing device receptacle.
 7. A method of using a controllerdocking device as recited in claim 1, the controller docking devicefurther comprising at least one additional user input device locatedproximate said first controller, the method further comprising a stepof: operating the at least one additional user input device in a mannerto provide an associated input signal to provide input to theinstruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 8. A methodof using a controller docking device as recited in claim 1, thecontroller docking device further comprising at least one edge locatedcontroller button located on said intermediary circumferential panel,the method further comprising a step of: operating the at least one edgelocated controller button in a manner to provide an associated inputsignal to provide input to the instruction set operating on the portablecomputing device.
 9. A method of using a controller docking device asrecited in claim 1, the controller docking device further comprising arear panel aperture formed through the rear panel of the controllercasing, the method further comprising steps of: inserting an objectthrough the rear panel aperture; and using the object to apply a forceto a rear surface of the portable computing device to aid in removingthe portable computing device from the portable computing devicereceptacle.
 10. A method of using a controller docking device forproviding input to an instruction set operating on a portable computingdevice, the method comprising steps of: obtaining a controller dockingdevice comprising: controller casing comprising a front panel, a rearpanel, and an intermediary circumferential panel extending between aperipheral edge of the front panel and a peripheral edge of the rearpanel, providing a spatial arrangement between the front panel and therear panel; a portable computing device receptacle comprising a portablecomputing device receptacle sidewall extending substantiallyperpendicularly inward from an exterior surface of the front panel andterminating at a portable computing device receptacle backing panel forreceiving and temporarily retaining a respective portable computingdevice, wherein the portable computing device receptacle sidewall isfixed about all four sides, wherein the portable computing devicereceptacle sidewall is sized and shaped following a peripheral contourof a portable computing device, contacting all four side surfaces of theportable computing device; a first user input interface integrated intothe front panel of the controller casing located between a casing firstside panel and a first side of the portable computing device receptacle;a second user input interface integrated into the front panel of thecontroller casing located between a casing second, opposite side paneland a second, opposite side of the portable computing device receptacle;and a controller integrated electro-mechanical interface rigidly and ina fixed position extending outward from the portable computing devicereceptacle sidewall inward towards a center of the portable computingdevice receptacle; obtaining a portable computing device comprising: aportable computing device housing, a portable computing device displaycarried by the portable computing device housing, and a portablecomputing device integrated electro-mechanical interface integrated intothe portable computing device housing; orienting the portable computingdevice at an acute angle respective to the controller docking device;aligning the portable computing device integrated electro-mechanicalinterface and the controller integrated electro-mechanical interfacewith one another; joining the portable computing device integratedelectro-mechanical interface and the controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface to one another; rotating the portablecomputing device into the portable computing device receptacle about anaxis that is substantially parallel to an intersection between anelongated axis of the controller integrated electro-mechanical interfaceand the respective portable computing device receptacle sidewall;activating the portable computing device; initiating operation of theinstruction set; and utilizing at least one of the first user inputinterface and the second user input interface to provide directions tothe instruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 11. Amethod of using a controller docking device as recited in claim 10, themethod further comprising a step of: utilizing the first user inputinterface to provide directions to the instruction set operating on theportable computing device, and utilizing the second user input interfaceto provide directions to the instruction set operating on the portablecomputing device.
 12. A method of using a controller docking device asrecited in claim 10, said first controller is provided as a singlebutton having at least four directional control signal inputs, themethod further comprising a step of: operating the single button in amanner to provide at least four directional control signal inputs toprovide input to the instruction set operating on the portable computingdevice.
 13. A method of using a controller docking device as recited inclaim 10, said second controller is provided as a cluster of individualbuttons, the method further comprising a step of: operating the clusterof individual buttons in a manner to provide a series of control signalinputs, each control signal input of the series of control signal inputsprovides a unique signal input to provide input to the instruction setoperating on the portable computing device.
 14. A method of using acontroller docking device as recited in claim 10, said first controlleris provided as a single disc shaped input device, wherein said disctilts in at least four directions, providing at least four respectiveinput signals, the method further comprising a step of: operating thesingle disc shaped input device in a manner to provide a series ofcontrol signal inputs, each control signal input of the series ofcontrol signal inputs provides a unique signal input to provide input tothe instruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 15. Amethod of using a controller docking device as recited in claim 14, saidsecond controller is provided as a cluster of individual buttons, themethod further comprising a step of: operating the cluster of individualbuttons in a manner to provide a series of control signal inputs, eachcontrol signal input of the series of control signal inputs provides aunique signal input to provide input to the instruction set operating onthe portable computing device.
 16. A method of using a controllerdocking device as recited in claim 10, the controller docking devicefurther comprising at least one additional user input device locatedproximate said first controller, the method further comprising a stepof: operating the at least one additional user input device in a mannerto provide an associated input signal to provide input to theinstruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 17. A methodof using a controller docking device as recited in claim 10, thecontroller docking device further comprising a rear panel apertureformed through the rear panel of the controller casing, the methodfurther comprising steps of: inserting an object through the rear panelaperture; and using the object to apply a force to a rear surface of theportable computing device to aid in removing the portable computingdevice from the portable computing device receptacle.
 18. A method ofusing a controller docking device for providing input to an instructionset operating on a portable computing device, the method comprisingsteps of: obtaining a controller docking device comprising: controllercasing comprising a front panel, a rear panel, and an intermediarycircumferential panel extending between a peripheral edge of the frontpanel and a peripheral edge of the rear panel, providing a spatialarrangement between the front panel and the rear panel; a portablecomputing device receptacle comprising a portable computing devicereceptacle sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly inward froman exterior surface of the front panel and terminating at a portablecomputing device receptacle backing panel for receiving and temporarilyretaining a respective portable computing device, wherein the portablecomputing device receptacle sidewall is fixed about each of four sides,wherein the portable computing device receptacle sidewall is sized andshaped following a peripheral contour of a portable computing device,contacting each of four side surfaces of the portable computing device;a user input interface integrated into the front panel of the controllercasing; a controller integrated electro-mechanical interface rigidly andin a fixed position extending outward from the portable computing devicereceptacle sidewall inward towards a center of the portable computingdevice receptacle, and a portable power supply in electricalcommunication with the controller integrated electro-mechanicalinterface; obtaining a portable computing device comprising: a portablecomputing device housing having a substantially planar front surfacebound by a front surface peripheral edge, a substantially planar rearsurface bound by a rear surface peripheral edge and a side surfaceextending between the front surface peripheral edge and the secondsurface peripheral edge, the front surface peripheral edge and thesecond surface peripheral edge having the same shape and size, aportable computing device display carried by the portable computingdevice housing, and a portable computing device integratedelectro-mechanical interface integrated into the device housing;orienting the portable computing device at an acute angle respective tothe controller docking device; aligning the portable computing deviceintegrated electro-mechanical interface and the controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface with one another; joining the portablecomputing device integrated electro-mechanical interface and thecontroller integrated electro-mechanical interface to one another;rotating the portable computing device into the portable computingdevice receptacle about an axis that is substantially parallel to anintersection between an elongated axis of the controller integratedelectro-mechanical interface and the respective portable computingdevice receptacle sidewall; providing power from the portable powersupply to the portable computing device; activating the portablecomputing device; initiating operation of the instruction set; utilizingthe user input interface to provide directions to the instruction setoperating on the portable computing device.
 19. A method of using acontroller docking device as recited in claim 18, the controller dockingdevice further comprising a first user input interface located between acasing first side panel and a first side of the portable computingdevice receptacle and a second user input interface located between acasing second, opposite side panel and a second, opposite side of theportable computing device receptacle, the method further comprising astep of: utilizing the first user input interface to provide directionsto the instruction set operating on the portable computing device, andutilizing the second user input interface to provide directions to theinstruction set operating on the portable computing device.
 20. A methodof using a controller docking device as recited in claim 18, thecontroller docking device further comprising a rear panel apertureformed through the rear panel of the controller casing, the methodfurther comprising steps of: inserting an object through the rear panelaperture; and using the object to apply a force to a rear surface of theportable computing device to aid in removing the portable computingdevice from the portable computing device receptacle.